Reese Allen, a senior at West Virginia University (WVU), was officially announced as the 72nd Mountaineer mascot on February 28, 2026, during a ceremony at the Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Bridgeport native expressed a mix of honor and anxiety as he prepared to take on this prestigious role, which involves representing the university and the state of West Virginia at various events.
Reflecting on the selection process, Allen shared, “It was a Saturday evening, so you have all morning, afternoon, and early evening to just worry about it.” He described the intense anticipation that built throughout the day, culminating in a heart-pounding moment just before the announcement. “I could have been waiting like 60 seconds in that half-second pause,” he recalled, adding that he felt a wave of relief when the announcement began with the letter “R.”
Allen acknowledged the competition and expressed gratitude for being chosen from a pool of talented finalists. “I want to give great kudos to the other three finalists. All of them were making excellent mascot candidates,” he said. His humility underscores the camaraderie among candidates, all of whom share a passion for representing their university.
Taking on the role of Mountaineer is not without its challenges, particularly for someone as involved as Allen. He is pursuing a dual degree in mechanical engineering and data science while actively participating in research and numerous extracurricular activities. “On paper, this is a bit of an interesting shift,” he noted regarding the commitment required for the mascot position.
The opportunity to become the Mountaineer became clearer to Allen after discussions with Rachel Morgan, this year’s alternate mascot. Morgan played a pivotal role in Allen’s decision to apply. “After talking to her, I realized not only is this achievable, but I’m ready,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in his journey.
As he prepared his application, Allen reflected deeply on his motivations and suitability for the role. He asked himself critical questions about his identity, including how well he could represent North Central West Virginia and his hometown of Bridgeport. “This whole process has really been like a celebration of all that I’ve done at the university,” he explained, highlighting the personal significance of the role.
Allen views his new position as an avenue for personal growth beyond academics. He stated, “This is something that will help to enrich my life in my five-to-nine rather than the work of my nine-to-five.” His hope is that serving as the Mountaineer will deepen his connection to his home state and foster his development as an individual.
The formal ceremony for the Passing of the Rifle will take place on April 17, 2026, at 18:00 in the Mountainlair’s Gluck Theatre, where Allen will officially accept the responsibilities from Cade Kincaid, the current Mountaineer mascot. This ceremonial transition marks a significant moment not just for Allen, but for the university community as a whole, as he steps into a role that embodies the spirit and pride of West Virginia.
